Marilyn DeFord Obituary, Death – At the age of 88, Marilyn K. DeFord, a resident of Spencer, Indiana, passed away at the Monroe Hospital in Bloomington, Indiana, on November 28, 2022. On September 16, 1934, Marilyn Sheppard was brought into the world by her parents, Wallace “Shep” Sheppard and Philena Dorothea (McDowell) Sheppard, in the town of Spencer, Indiana. In 1952, Marilyn received her diploma from Spencer High School, and two years later, on June 3, 1955, she wed Jack R. DeFord. She worked as a Legal Secretary for Hickam & Hickam for many years before retiring. In 1974, she was honored with the title of Indiana Legal Secretary of the Year. In addition to that, Marilyn was the owner of the Insurance Services Inc.
business in Spencer. Marilyn had a deep devotion to the Lord and was a member of the Owen Valley Christian Fellowship and the Spencer First Christian Church, both of which she served as an educator at, primarily in the areas of bible study and Sunday school. In addition to that, she was a part of the Tri Kappa Sorority in Spencer. Cross stitching, crocheting, and sewing were all hobbies that Marilyn enjoyed.
Marilyn is survived by her children Beth (Bret) Eaton and Wally (Kathy) DeFord, her grandchildren Kayla Eaton, Tyler (Bailee) DeFord, Darby DeFord, and Haley Barger, her great-grandchildren Brooklyn Welding and Cade Eaton, Andrew Heaton, Jackson Heaton, Mason Frank, Everly Lientz, and Easton Lientz, her great-great-grandchildren Amari Ruiz-Eaton. Marilyn’s parents, husband, daughter Kay Lynn DeFord, grandson Luke Eaton, and brother Stanley Sheppard all passed away before her. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Funeral services will be held at the Spencer First Christian Church on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 1:00 PM. The church is located at 157 South Montgomery Street in Spencer. The ceremony will be presided over by Pastor Bill Grandi. After the service, burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery. The church will be open for visitation beginning at eleven in the morning and continuing up until the time of the service. You are welcome to share your condolences with the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jack R. DeFord Library Fund, the Owen Valley Christian Fellowship Church, or the Owen County Community Foundation with care of the Owen County CASA Fund. Donations can be mailed to the Owen County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 503 in Spencer, Indiana 47460